The match is the second of two meetings between Republic FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC this season. The clubs battled to a 2-2 draw in their first matchup this season on Sept. 2 at Papa Murphy’s Park. Republic FC took a 2-1 lead into halftime and despite controlling most of the second half, conceded a stoppage time goal on a header by Pascal Eboussi.

Republic FC come into the match needing just two points in order to clinch a playoff spot following a 1-3 loss to Orange County SC on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Two late goals from Dušan Stevanovic and Jerry van Ewijk kept Orange County clinging to their playoff hopes and Republic FC just points away from clinching.

Forward Sammy Ochoa scored Republic FC’s lone goal in the 43rd minute on Wednesday. The goal was his sixth of the season, tying Tyler Blackwood for second on the club. Ochoa still leads Republic FC in assists with six on the season.

Midfielder Villyan Bijev recorded the assist on Ochoa’s goal after a perfectly taken free kick by James Kiffe. Bijev has been an important player for Republic FC since joining the club on loan from Portland Timbers 2. He has made seven appearances, scoring two goals and adding two assists in his time with Republic FC.

The Switchbacks come into the match fighting for a playoff spot for the third consecutive season. The Switchbacks will need some luck to make the playoffs, needing to win each of their last two matches and Oklahoma City Energy FC or Tulsa Roughnecks FC to earn only one point in their last two matches.

Masta Kacher has been a creator in the midfield this season, leading the club in assists and scoring the second most goals, recording seven of each. Kacher is having a career year since joining the Switchbacks in the offseason. The midfielder spent two seasons with FC Montréal prior to joining Colorado Springs, scoring two goals and recording an assist in 36 appearances.

Forward Kevaughn Frater has also been an important player for the Switchbacks, leading the club in scoring with nine goals and recording six assists on the season, second most and trailing only Kacher. Frater joined the Switchbacks after playing the 2016 season with Real Monarchs SLC, where he scored a goal and an assist in his first USL season.

The match will be broadcast live on ESPN3. There will be no YouTube livestream of the match for domestic fans; a stream will be available for international fans. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #COSvSAC.